1800-1801
Origins and Early History
Mysterious Voyage & Initial days of Abel Joshua Higginbotham
Abel Joshua Higginbotham boarded a ship to Madras in the
mid-1800s without a ticket or papers. His qualifications as
a librarian earned him a job at the Wesleyan Book
Depository, which he later bought in 1844 and renamed
Higginbothams.
1850-1899
Growth and Expansion
The Rise of Higginbothams to India's Largest Bookstore Chain
Higginbotham set up his bookstore on Mount Road in Madras, and during 1888 and 1889, he served as the
Sheriff of Madras. Over time, his bookstore, Higginbothams, grew to become India's largest bookstore
chain in the 19th century.
1858-1859
Contributions and Influence
The Rise of Higginbothams to India's Largest Bookstore Chain
The East India Company's turbulent tenure in India, culminating in the 1857 Rebellion and the 1858
Government of India Act, ended with Queen Victoria's proclamation read at Fort St. George, Madras,
with copies distributed by Higginbothams, which soon became the preferred bookstore in the Madras
Presidency. Sir Charles Trevelyan, Governor of Madras, praised Higginbothams for its excellent
selection of philosophy, classical literature, and Greek tragedy.
1860-1880
Key Events and Milestones
From European Bestsellers to Royal Patronage in Colonial India
The opening of the Suez Canal in 1869 revolutionized global trade, drastically shortening travel times
between Europe and Asia. This innovation accelerated British colonization efforts in India, while
Higginbothams & Co. in Madras thrived on this influx as a premier supplier of European books, even
catering to Prince Edward VII during his visits. Their success earned them a place in John Murray's
renowned travel guide 'Handbook of the Madras Presidency'.
1880-1884
Publishing Achievements
Flavors and Pages: Higginbothams' Culinary and Literary Influence
Higginbothams popularized Mulligatawny Soup and Madras Curry Powder through publications like 'Sweet
Dishes' by "Wyvern" (Colonel Arthur Robert Kenney-Herbert). His 'Culinary Jottings for Madras' (1884),
published by Higginbothams, solidified their role in India's print and publishing history, marking a
lasting influence on both cuisine and literature.
1890-1905
Legacy and Modern Era
Literary Landmark on South Parade
Built in 1897 during Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee, this Palladian-style building on South Parade
(now MG Road) in Bengaluru became home to Higginbothams. Initially managed by Abel Joshua
Higginbotham, the bookstore expanded under his son CH Higginbotham's leadership, extending its reach.
Today, Higginbothams remains a beloved hangout for avid readers, maintaining its status as a cherished
cultural hub.
1913-1945
Journalistic Ventures and War Efforts
The Madras Mail and Higginbothams: Journalism and Publishing Legacy
The Madras Mail set journalistic standards with impartial reporting and extensive coverage. Merged
with The Madras Times in 1913, it formed Associated Printers, later absorbing Higginbothams. During
World War II, Higginbothams & Co. thrived as publishers, stocking Penguin and Pelican paperbacks and
publishing diverse works, including Adolf Hitler's "Mein Kampf," with royalties donated to the Red
Cross Society for British WWII soldiers.
Post 1945
Present Day
Preserving India's Literary Heritage: The Associated Publishers Saga
In 1945, Mr. Anantharamakrishnan of the Amalgamations Group acquired Higginbothams, Associated
Printers, and The Madras Mail, collectively known as the Associated Publishers. These venerable
bookstores continue to stand as pillars of India's literary history, safeguarding their rich legacy to
this day.